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Watford secure deal for Granada starlet Penaranda

Adalberto Penaranda: Forward highly rated in Europe

Watford have followed up the signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure by landing Adalberto Penaranda, but both will complete the season on loan at Granada in Spain.

Doucoure, a 23-year-old midfielder, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract after moving from Ligue 1 side Rennes, but will switch to Granada until the summer.

Penaranda, who is 18, has also signed a four-and-a-half-year deal from Granada, but will stay at the Primera Division club until the end of the campaign.

“The Hornets have secured the permanent signing of much sought-after teenage forward Adalberto Penaranda,” read a story on the club’s official website.

“The 18-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Vicarage Road, and will remain on loan in Spain with La Liga outfit Granada CF.

“The Venezuala Under-20 international beat Lionel Messi’s record in December as the youngest non-Spanish scorer of a brace in a La Liga, having become Granada’s youngest-ever player in November 2015.”

Penaranda was reportedly attracting the attention of Liverpool and Tottenham.

France Under-21 international Doucoure will link up with Watford in the summer.

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury said on the club’s official website: “The opportunity to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure now was one we wanted to act upon, given our long-standing interest in the player.

“He is very much part of Watford’s future plans, and in the time between now and pre-season he’ll be experiencing high-level competitive football in Spain.”